India has renewed its call for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need for changes in membership categories, regional representation, council size, working methods, and veto power. Addressing the United Nations, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, argued that the reform process must tackle all these areas collectively rather than isolating the veto issue.
Harish highlighted that the veto power, held by only five permanent Security Council members—the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China—carries significant responsibility and should be used with restraint, especially on issues related to international peace and security. He expressed concerns that the frequent use of veto power by a few countries has undermined the council’s credibility and effectiveness.
India pointed out that throughout the UN’s history, the veto has been utilized 331 times, with most instances involving three of the five permanent members. Harish referenced a 2022 initiative that mandates the UN General Assembly to debate whenever a veto is cast, aiming to enhance accountability.
In its proposal, India insisted that any new framework for permanent membership should ensure equal rights and responsibilities among members, including equal access to veto power. Harish warned that creating a separate category of permanent members without equivalent veto rights could complicate the reform process further.
Furthermore, India reiterated its support for the Common African Position, which advocates for a unified African Union approach to Security Council reform. This stance is part of India’s broader efforts to promote a more representative and accountable council capable of addressing contemporary global challenges effectively.